Lesser Citronella Ant vs Common Lime Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Citronella Ant Common Lime Butterfly
Scientific Name Lasius claviger Papilio demoleus
Order Hymenoptera Lepidoptera
Family Formicidae Papilionidae
Size 3-4 mm 80-100 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Root Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, Caribbean
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lesser Citronella Ant

A small yellow subterranean ant closely related to the larger citronella ant. It produces a citrus scent and lives in deep soil nests tending root aphids.

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Did You Know?

Citronella ants are obligate herders whose survival depends entirely on their symbiotic relationship with underground aphids.

Common Lime Butterfly

Black swallowtail covered in pale yellow spots and lacking hindwing tails. A major pest of citrus across Asia and recently invaded the Caribbean.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most successful invasive butterflies, having colonized the Caribbean since 2004.